By Lewis Njeruh
Thumbnail Photo Retrieved from Facebook
Kenya Police FC have been promoted to the Betking Kenya Premier League after winning 1-0 against Vihiga United in the second leg of the promotion/relegation playoffs at Utalii Grounds on Sunday, September 19th.
Following this, Vihiga United was relegated to the second tier National Super League (NSL).
Clinton Kinanga scored in a rebound in the 32nd minute when United keeper Mustapha saved a penalty from Alvin Mang’emi.
This is the first time in history that Police FC have been promoted to the top flight league. They have joined 18 teams in the race for the Kenya Premier League title and begin their campaign in the top tier league against Kakamega Homeboyz. They join Vihiga Bullets and FC Talanta who were promoted to the KPL after finishing top in the Betika NSL.
The Kenya Premier League will resume on Saturday 25th as Tusker FC will be looking to defend the title.
Tusker FC will be in such a spirit after thrashing Djibouti Champions Arta Solar 7 3-0 in the CAF (Confederation of African Football) preliminaries on Saturday September 18th. They are set to battle record holders Gor Mahia in the Kenya Super Cup on Wednesday, September 22nd at the Thika Stadium at 3pm.
K’Ogalo won the trophy last season after beating Bandari FC 1-0 to claim the Super Cup sixth title.
Tusker will return to defend the league title in an away opener match against twelve-time champions AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, September 25th. Gor Mahia will face second position KCB in their opener match at Kasarani Stadium.
NSL Champions Talanta FC will face Wazito FC in their opener match in the KPL league on Sunday September 26th at the Nyayo Stadium at 3pm.
Vihiga United will play Bidco United in a home game at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega after finishing 1st runners up in the recently completed NSL.
BETKING KENYA PREMIER LEAGUE GAME WEEK 1 FIXTURES
Saturday September 25th
Posta Rangers vs Kariobangi Sharks, Thika Stadium 3pm
Gor Mahia vs KCB, Kasarani Stadium 1pm
Vihiga Bullets vs Bidco United, Bukhungu Stadium 3pm
Bandari vs Mathare United, Mbaraki Stadium 3pm
Talanta vs Wazito, Kasarani Stadium 3pm
Sofapaka vs Nairobi City Stars, Nyayo Stadium 3pm
Sunday September 26th
AFC Leopards vs Tusker, Nyayo Stadium 1pm
Ulinzi vs Nzoia Sugar, Thika Stadium 3pm